Airbus looks beyond today's economic downturn

Securing deliveries, assisting customers and managing the order book are Airbus' priorities for 2009 according to President and CEO Tom Enders, who briefed international reporters during the company's traditional Paris Air Show press conference today.

Enders said the future for Airbus is good, with sufficient ongoing demand to fill orders for its eco-efficient aircraft - which will be supported by prudent adaptations in aircraft production output. For 2009, the company is expecting to make approximately the same number of aircraft deliveries as last year, with the production rate currently standing at 34 single-aisle A320s per month, 8.5 widebody A330s/A340s monthly, and 14 A380s to be built during the 12 months.

Airbus' current focus is on transitioning its order backlog into deliveries, and Enders expressed confidence the air transport sector will remain a long-term growth industry with strong underlying demand.

Airbus sees a continued demand for modern, highly eco-efficient aircraft such as its A380 - which is featured in the Paris Air Show's daily flight demonstration, as well as the A350 WXB - which continues in development. Enders said the airline industry should not be expecting huge aircraft orders, but new bookings will continue because of varying market demand from region to region, and airline to airline.

"We are in this together with our customers, we are in this together with our suppliers, and we're doing everything to make this recession as smooth as possible for us and also for our partners and customers," Enders said.